Ultimate 3-Day Nelson County Itinerary: Wineries, Breweries, Hiking & Blue Ridge Adventures
While we encourage visitors to sample the wines, craft beers, ciders, and spirits across Virginia, always use a designated driver. Exercise good judgment when traveling between wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. In Nelson County, explore tour options with Hop on Cville.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nelson County is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails through majestic peaks and challenging cycling routes along winding roads. It's also a craft beverage paradise, home to nearly a dozen wineries, three cideries, six breweries, and three distilleries—with new spots opening regularly. Follow the renowned Brew Ridge Trail for an immersive tasting experience. This expert-curated 3-day guide ensures an affordable, unforgettable Virginia getaway.
—TRIP PLANNING OVERVIEW—
Photo credit: Big Orange Frame
Stay at: Wintergreen Resort, rates starting at $135 per night.
Perched on 11,000 acres atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort offers diverse accommodations for solo travelers to large groups, including luxury rentals with up to nine bedrooms.
Known for winter pursuits like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating, the resort shines year-round with golf courses, indoor/outdoor tennis, a full-service spa featuring pools, and on-site hiking trails—all minus peak-season crowds.
Experience thrills at the Discovery Ridge Adventure Center: climbing tower, bungee trampoline, 900-foot zipline, summer tubing, and mini golf for $59. Activities are transferable, perfect for sharing.
Seasoned mountain bikers can tackle expert cross-country trails opening in May (not for beginners).
Four on-site restaurants range from upscale dining to casual fare. Notable: James Beard-awarded Chef Edwin Scholly has joined the culinary team, delivering world-class cuisine without leaving the resort.
Monitor the Wintergreen Resort website for deals like 'Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Free,' slashing Thursday-Sunday stays by a third.
Suggested Advance Reservations: Spa at Wintergreen services, Virginia Distillery Company tours, tee times at Stoney Creek or Devils Knob Golf Courses.
—FRIDAY—
Kick off your getaway with curated wine tastings among Nelson County's 10+ venues. Focus on three to savor without overload.
Begin at Veritas Vineyard & Winery, featuring a striking cork LOVEwork installation. Taste at the copper bar or grab a bottle for the mountain-view patio. Pair with Terrace menu gourmet sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, or cheese plates.
Nearby, Afton Mountain Vineyards evokes elegant hospitality while producing Virginia's finest wines. Savor pours in the glass pavilion or patio, enjoying cornhole and panoramic vistas.
Conclude winery stops at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, specialists in fruit and berry meads. Discover refreshingly balanced flavors like Lavender Metheglin or year-round Hunter’s Moon—a gateway to mead appreciation.
Refuel at Blue Mountain Brewery & Restaurant. Start with Buffalo Chicken Dip and house tortilla chips. Share brick-oven pizzas or opt for sandwiches. Request patio seating, then sample a brewery flight.
Counter indulgence with the beginner-friendly Rockfish River Loop Trail: 6 miles of accessible paths along the South Fork Rockfish River.
Silverback Distillery crafts premium vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and bourbons by a mother-daughter team. Sample Smoked S’mores or Old Fashioned—watch the charred-barrel smoking ritual. Inquire about their compelling backstory.
Head to Wintergreen Resort to check in, then unwind at the Spa at Wintergreen with massages, pools, saunas, or steam rooms.
Dine at Wild Wolf Brewing Company & Restaurant. Sunset patio views glow under tree lights. Savor locally sourced burgers; pair with Czeched Out Pils or Blonde Hunny ale.
—SATURDAY—
Fuel up at Devils Backbone Brewing Company & Restaurant Basecamp. The Summit cabin offers hearty breakfasts: Buttermilk Biscuit Egg Sandwich or Healthy Bowl, plus lattes or cortaditos.
Hike Crabtree Falls Trail: 3.4-mile round-trip to cascading waterfalls and Blue Ridge vistas. Paved start leads to staircases and shaded switchbacks—rewarding for all levels.
Lunch at local favorite Basic Necessities Café, a charming bistro with French countryside vibes. Quality shines in fresh mozzarella, baguettes, and farm greens. Browse the gift shop while waiting.
Photo Credit: Tom Daly
Visit Virginia Distillery Company for tours, tastings, and the Virginia Distillery Museum exploring whisky history. Reserve ahead; enjoy cocktails or flights.
Detour to Sweet Bliss Bakery for Mini Cheesecakes like White Chocolate Raspberry.
Bold Rock Hard Cider offers patio cider flights and a Cider Museum.
Dinner at Devils Backbone; peek at Devils Backbone Distilling Company's stunning stills.
—SUNDAY—
Relish breakfast at Copper Mine Bistro & Lounge at Wintergreen Resort before checkout.
Choose your finale:
- Option #1: Golf at Stoney Creek Golf Course (27 holes, beginner-friendly amid Blue Ridge drama).
- Option #2: Strenuous 1-mile Humpback Rocks hike for epic summit views.
En route home via Crozet, lunch at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie for specialty pizzas.
More Virginia 72-hour guides: Guide to Loudoun County, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach.
